Thursday, May 17, 2012

Capturing {Bigger Picture Moments}

I’m still working through my 366 project. I know I only have pictures up through 115 but I’m taking them...like everything else I need to catch up on the editing and posting.

As I grabbed my camera to snap a few shots before bed last night I realized that I had changed the way I take pictures.

No longer do I even attempt to set up the “perfect” shot. There is no posing, mostly, no line up over here. I just pick up the camera and click click click.

I have always loved classic black and white photo journalism. We choose our wedding photography based on that. She managed to get gorgeous pictures of every single guest at our wedding without making us do the standard stand around the table shot. I cherish them.

What I am learning is that the story of our life is told through these small moments. Small moments captured and remembered. They imprint on our heart and makes us take stock in whats important.

I may forget to take out my camera and get a picture with a friend from out of town while we’re all dressed up. I do though have snapshots from the night, the dinner we ate, the walk tot he theater, the ride in the car.

I’ll remember the big moments. Her siting in the audience encouraging us through a practice. Our minds our trained to remember those. These smaller moments if not documented just fade into the recesses of our brain. When I was younger I remember always making sure me and my friends got pictures together everyone. Breakfast out, picture! Mini Golf, picture! Formal event, picture! So many group shots, from events and a life that is faded. Maybe we focus so much on getting those shots because we know that moment, that time is temporary.

I realized, just now as I got to this point that I have written very similar words before. Sometimes I need multiple reminders that something is good. I was kicking myself last night for not getting a shot, a posed shot, of the kids this month for Four on Four. We we’re at a wedding and there was a lot going on that weekend. When this came to me.

I may not have gotten “the picture I wanted, but I got the smaller, more important moments. The baby holding grandma’s hand over the pew, sisters sharing a snack, a son listening to the readings intently.

I needed the reminder that it’s the small moments that make up the bigger picture, even if the bigger picture is a missed shot.

8 comments:

Such a great perspective. Back in the days of (ahem) film...when my kids were little...the idea of snapping away to capture all the little moments didn't really enter our thoughts. Some of it was convenience, some of it cost...it really wasn't on the radar. I feel blessed that (because I'm slightly obsessed with pics) I did more than a lot of people...but I miss not having those inbetween times captured in photos! I do so much more of this now...and love it ~ but couldn't have articulated why as well as you just did! Thanks!

So beautiful - "I may not have gotten the picture I wanted, but I got the smaller, more important moments." Because those un-posed, spur of the moment pictures are exactly what life is about - and THAT is what we should be cherishing and remembering. :)

Oh, friend...even though we forget to take pictures EVERY TIME we are are together. I'll NEVER forget the memories we share. So much fun, and laughs. You are the best...Oh, and I've learned the hard way that those posed shots just make everyone grumpy anyway. :-)

Oh I absolutely adore this post. Life IS all about the little moments that make up our life, and I love how you're capturing them. You have some great photos there - I especially love the ballet one. Gorgeous. These are the photos I go for, too, the ones that truly express emotion and personality of people, not the fake contrived ones.